We didn’t want to take a risk against Rahul Chahar: Andre Russell

At 51/4, with leg-spinner Rahul Chahar bowling so well, the game could have gone either way as Punjab wrestled their way back into the contest. But the partnership between Sam Billings and Andre Russell not only ensured that they did not lose any more wicket but also took the side home in the most comfortable of fashions.

The 33-year-old Jamaican all-rounder trashed the Punjab bowling to all parts but was very careful in dealing with the Indian leg-spinner, Chahar, who got the ball to drift and turn. In the post-match presentation, Russell revealed that the Knights did not want to take a risk against Chahar during the run chase. 

"I knew we were the two guys who'll definitely look to get a partnership. I told Sam, 'listen, let's just bat a few overs and see what happens.' But we had to attack earlier because the left-arm orthodox wasn't spinning the ball and nothing was happening,” Russell said in the post-match presentation.

"So, we decided to take charge from one end and look to get singles from the other end. Chahar was bowling extremely well, it was gripping as well. We didn't want to take much chance against him. We knew it'd get easier. I am going to say one (when asked how many he got off the middle)."

While Russell only dealt in boundaries during the latter stages of the encounter, he was careful in his shot selection early on. The all-rounder revealed his conversation with Billings during their stay at the crease. 

"It was good to have someone at the crease like Sam who can rotate and help us stick through the tough time. Once I started sweating, I just said that I am going to go. I backed my ability and that's what I did tonight. I am happy to bring the team over the line,” he added.

"Feeling awesome, this is the reason why we play the game. In that position, I know what I can do.”

On the bowling front, the all-rounder wasn’t an evident requirement for the Knights on the night, bowling just the two deliveries, where he saw the back of Kagiso Rabada. 

"I know in some games I won't be bowling four but if at least I bowl two overs, I can feel a part of the game and feel like an all-rounder. These things do happen, some games it's gonna be easy and I may not bowl a ball."